Cyclone Remal has claimed the lives of 27 individuals across Mizoram in the Melthum, Hlimen, Falkawn, and Salem Veng areas of Aizawl, according to a government release.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Mizoram, confirmed, “27 bodies have been found so far as search and rescue operations continue, with State Disaster Response Force personnel collaborating with Melthum Local Council and Young Mizo Association (YMA).”
In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the allocation of Rs 15 crore to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia for the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister, alongside Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Minister K Sapdanga, will provide Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each deceased person at Hlimen, with the remaining amount to be disbursed later in accordance with SDRF norms.
Both Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Minister Sapdanga, along with other government officials, have been on-site at Melthum to oversee the situation. The Power and Electricity (P&E) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments have issued notices about disruptions in electricity and water supply due to damage from landslides and floods.
As per reports from the DIPR, the cyclone caused 14 deaths in Melthum, 4 in Hlimen, 3 in Salem, 2 each in Falkawn and Aibawk, and 1 each in Lungsei and Kelsih areas of Aizawl district. The latest updates on search and rescue operations were provided as of 7 PM on May 28.
